TAS HSC Outcome Based Assessment Tasks:
How to Write Them

What is the Course About?

With the introduction of the new HSC came new syllabuses with new content and suggested methods of delivery. Another significant change was in the area of assessment with a shift from norm referencing of students (ranking with marks) towards standards referencing. Mastery of this shift in assessment will be the challenge teachers in all schools will need to address over the next few years.

Topics covered include: What are standards? How are they determined? What relationship do they have to outcomes? What relationship do they have to Performance Bands? How do I set assessment tasks? What information should be included in the task? How much information about assessment should be given to students? How do I assess student performance? How do I report student performance?.

 
How Will the Course Be Presented?  

The course will be presented over 2 days approximately 1 week apart (NB there are 2 different venues)

Day 1 will largely involve plenary sessions addressing the background issues related to Standards Referencing. There will be opportunities for breakout sessions to discuss and workshop important issues as they are addressed.

  • Norm referencing vs standards referencing;
  • Unpacking outcomes;
  • Structuring of questions;
    • multiple choice
    • extended response
  • Writing performance descriptors.

Day 2 will involve breaking into smaller subject specific groups to write assessment tasks. These tasks will:

  • Address specific outcomes;
  • Clearly define the task;
  • Relate to appropriate performance descriptors;
  • Include marking criteria;
  • Identify methods of providing feedback/reporting to students & parents.
Outcomes of the Course:

As a result of participating in this course it is expected that teachers will gain:

  • an understanding of standards referencing;
  • confidence in interpreting syllabus documents;
  • knowledge & experience in writing appropriate assessment questions;
  • experience in writing performance descriptors;
  • assessment tasks suitable for appropriation into their own teaching and learning programme of work.
Presenter:

Stephen Hill, Masada College

Estelle Lewis, The Association of Independent Schools, Consultant, HSC Implementation.
   
Dates: Wednesday 7th & Thursday 15th March 2001
Time: 9.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. each day.
Venue:

Day One - 7th March
Knox Grammar School
Pacific Highway                                                                 
Wahroonga

Day Two - 15th March                    
Abbotsleigh Primary School                                          
1666 Pacific Highway
Wahroonga
Parking: Limited parking available on Abbotsleigh Campus only. Some street parking available adjacent to both schools. Wahroonga Station is a short walk from both school.
Target Group: Teachers of TAS subjects.
No. of Participants: 30
Cost:

$310 per participant       including GST

AIS member $210

Cancellations should be in writing no later than one week prior to course to enable a refund.

Your registration will be confirmed by fax after closing date.

 
Certification: Certificates will be made available to all participants who fulfil the course requirements.

Please note: AIS Professional Development courses can be accumulated to apply for University accreditation.
Closing Date: Wednesday 28th February 2001

Registration/Tax Invoice

TAS HSC Outcome Based Assessment Tasks

7th & 15th March 2001

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Please photocopy this page, complete and return to Cecilia Waites,
enclosing a SCHOOL CHEQUE ONLY made payable to
The Association of Independent Schools, 4th Floor, 99 York Street, Sydney 2000

Tel: (02) 9299 2845                      ABN  96003509073                      Fax: (02) 9290 2274